Bipolar Investor Confidence Makes This Stock Rally Vulnerable | Peter Atwater

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May 20, 2025

Join behavioral economist Peter Atwater, an adjunct professor at William & Mary College, as he dives into the turbulent world of investor confidence. He reveals how market volatility triggers emotional responses that affect decision-making, likening it to a bungee jump. Atwater discusses shifts in generational attitudes toward risk, emphasizing how today’s youth are conditioned for safety yet crave agency. He also explores the intertwining of political dynamics and market strategies, advocating for a practical approach to investing amidst uncertainty.

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INSIGHT

2025: Bungee Jump Confidence

2025's investor confidence shows bungee jump-like volatility with rapid drops and intense reversals.
This signals deep anxiety behind market highs, causing impulsive, emotional investor behavior.

INSIGHT

Bipolar Investor Confidence

Investor sentiment lacks a middle ground, swinging between extreme optimism and panic.
This bipolar confidence signals a market environment of extremes without steady balance.

INSIGHT

Safety-Seeking Investment Mentality

Post-9/11 generations are conditioned to seek safety, making them passive investors.
This mindset fosters complacency and reliance on external forces to 'drive the bus.'

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Today's expert, behavioral economist Peter Atwater, adjunct professor at William & Mary College, has long affirmed that changes in confidence consistently and predictably impact investor preferences, decisions and actions.Well, there's certainly been a lot happening so far this year to both spike and crash investor confidence.It's been one heck of a sentiment rollercoaster so far, with little signs that things will calm down anytime soon.What are likely to be the biggest drivers of confidence from here, and what are his key indicators are telling him about the prospects for the rest of 2025?WORRIED ABOUT THE MARKET? SCHEDULE YOUR FREE PORTFOLIO REVIEW with Thoughtful Money's endorsed financial advisors at https://www.thoughtfulmoney.com#confidence #sentiment #investing _____________________________________________ Thoughtful Money LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor Promoter.We produce educational content geared for the individual investor. It’s important to note that this content is NOT investment advice, individual or otherwise, nor should be construed as such.We recommend that most investors, especially if inexperienced, should consider benefiting from the direction and guidance of a qualified financial advisor registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or state securities regulators who can develop & implement a personalized financial plan based on a customer’s unique goals, needs & risk tolerance.IMPORTANT NOTE: There are risks associated with investing in securities.Investing in stocks, bonds, exchange traded funds, mutual funds, money market funds, and other types of securities involve risk of loss. Loss of principal is possible. Some high risk investments may use leverage, which will accentuate gains & losses. Foreign investing involves special risks, including a greater volatility and political, economic and currency risks and differences in accounting methods.A security’s or a firm’s past investment performance is not a guarantee or predictor of future investment performance.Thoughtful Money and the Thoughtful Money logo are trademarks of Thoughtful Money LLC.Copyright © 2025 Thoughtful Money LLC. All rights reserved.